Wokół fotografii mieszkańców Witowa

Peasant photography is an incredibly interesting cultural phenomenon. Until the photograph appeared in the space of the countryside, spoken word had been the major form of expression used by peasants to talk about themselves and the world. It is a type of photography created for the needs of peasants on their own initiative. Photos represent a selected moment in a passage rite of a family, portraying its members and acquaintances. They constitute an important element in shaping the image of the peasant. Therefore the initiative of the historian Joanna Sapieżyńska, who collected and prepared photographs of the inhabitants of her native village in the album “Witowo” is very valuable. The collected photographs of the inhabitants of Witowo show images of peasant life over 50 years. The photos available in the form of album play an important role in the reconstruction of village’s microhistory. They are a testimony to the changes and shaping of the identity of Podlasie Belarusians. Peasant photography from Witowo shows the richness of peasant Belarusian culture. It should be noted that there are noticeable differences between the photographs created in Podlasie and photos from other regions of Poland. Photographs collected by J. Sapieżyńska are of great value for historical, cultural and social reasons. They can be of great importance in popularizing Belarusian culture in Podlasie as an example of its strength and values, as well as in encouraging a return to the roots.